What we learned: Seattle Seahawks OTAs

June 13, 2014 4:15 PM

Photo: Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

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1. A healthy Harvin should make a huge impact ...

This may go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: A healthy Percy Harvin will do wonders for the Seahawks’ offense. Since he made such an impact during the Super Bowl, it’s easy to forget he hardly played at all in 2013. Harvin was simply dynamic in OTAs, whether he was catching passes underneath, running routes down the field, or taking the ball behind the line of scrimmage on fly sweeps. If he's healthy, his presence in the lineup should add an explosive element that the Hawks lacked last season and more than make up for the absence of Golden Tate.

1. A healthy Harvin should make a huge impact ...
This may go... Photo-6448633.87856 - seattlepi.com

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2. ... but defense is still king

With only short amounts of time to plan and prepare, it makes sense that defenses generally look better than offenses at this stage of the NFL offseason. That said, there were times when the Hawks’ offense — sometimes featuring presumed starters — looked absolutely inept against even the defense’s second- and third-team players, let alone Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. That may be a function of OTAs, but it also may speak to just how deep and talented this defensive group is. Seattle has several players in reserve roles who would compete to start other places.

2. ... but defense is still king
With only short amounts of... Photo-6448634.87856 - seattlepi.com

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3. Second-year players will be given a chance to make the leap…

In running back Christine Michael, cornerback Tharold Simon and defensive tackles Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams, Seattle returns a handful of players from its 2013 draft class who barely played last season. The “redshirts” will have a chance to prove their worth in 2014. Michael (above) was one of the highlights of OTAs, looking explosive and ready to challenge for the primary backup role behind Marshawn Lynch. Hill and Williams both saw lots of action in the D-line rotation, and Simon looked like a potential star in the making with his physicality and ball skills on Thursday — with a little coaching help from Richard Sherman.

3. Second-year players will be given a chance to make the leap…... Photo-6448635.87856 - seattlepi.com

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4. ... but don’t count out the rookies

A few of the 2014 draft picks look like they have a chance to contribute immediately. Second-rounder Justin Britt (right) split first-team snaps with second-year pro Michael Bowie at right tackle and held his own. Fourth-round pick Kevin Norwood was one of the most noticeable players on offense — we’ll have more on him later. Fellow fourth-rounder Cassius Marsh, a defensive end, had to miss OTAs due to his school schedule, but he impressed during rookie minicamp and should challenge for a spot in the pass-rush rotation.

4. ... but don’t count out the rookies
A few of the 2014... Photo-6448636.87856 - seattlepi.com

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5. Position battles to watch: Offense

Michael certainly created a lot of buzz with his play during OTAs, but coaches gave just as much praise to third-year back Robert Turbin, who head coach Pete Carroll revealed had surgery to clean up a knee injury in the offseason. Turbin (with ball, above) is more polished than Michael and did look to have a little more burst than last season. It will be interesting to watch how the coaches use Turbin and Michael during training camp as they both jockey for position behind Marshawn Lynch.

Meanwhile, the battle for the right tackle spot between Bowie and Britt might not be settled until late in the preseason.

After losing Red Bryant and Clinton McDonald in the offseason, the Hawks knew they’d need a number of players to step up at defensive tackle. Veteran Tony McDaniel should see a lot of action this season, and he’ll be joined by youngsters Greg Scruggs (above), Hill and Williams. The upcoming signing of former All-Pro Kevin Williams should help, too.

With both Bruce Irvin and Malcolm Smith out with injury, playing time next to Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright is up for grabs. Athletic third-year pro Korey Toomer stood out — seemingly always in the right place at the right time — and it will be interesting to see where he fits when Irvin and Smith return.

7. The Marshawn Lynch contract dispute may be an unwelcome distraction

After an offseason with nearly no negative headlines, the news that Lynch was unhappy with his current deal certainly wasn’t great for the Seahawks. But bad news is perhaps all it is. No matter how you look at the situation, the Hawks’ hold all the power: Lynch is one of the highest-paid players in the NFL at a position whose value has been compromised. Does it mean anything if Lynch misses the mandatory minicamp next week? Not really. Is it a big deal if Lynch misses parts of training camp? Probably not. Will the situation work itself out before then? Most likely.

7. The Marshawn Lynch contract dispute may be an unwelcome... Photo-6448639.87856 - seattlepi.com

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8. The Hawks roster is still a work in progress

GM John Scheider’s acquisition of Williams should remind us all of one thing: The Seahawks roster is never set in stone. Wiliams’ signing came out of nowhere and could provide big dividends down the road. After all, he’s a multiple All-Pro who won’t be asked to do nearly as much as he was in Minnesota. Meanwhile, quarterback Terrelle Pryor improved quite a bit throughout the OTA sessions. Could he unseat top backup Tarvaris Jackson? Who knows. But one thing is for sure: Schneider (left) is going to make this team better any way he thinks he can.

8. The Hawks roster is still a work in progress
GM John... Photo-6448640.87856 - seattlepi.com

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9. Player of OTAs: Offense

Norwood. Unlike top pick and fellow receiver Paul Richardson, Norwood was able to stay on the field and participate in each of the OTA sessions open to the press. He made the most of the opportunity, impressing with this strong hands and ability to catch the ball in traffic. He doesn’t have explosive speed, but his route running and savvy help him to get just open enough to make plays on the ball. Also in the running: Michael, guard James Carpenter and wide receiver Arceto Clark.

Simon. This is a tougher call, because so many defensive players looked good in the sessions. But Simon (with ball, above) gave us a glimpse of his talent and athleticism over the past several sessions, showing the ability to be physical at the line of scrimmage, run downfield with receivers and make plays on the ball in the air. He’s not Richard Sherman, but it looks like Simon has the best chance at the No. 4 corner slot behind Sherman, Byron Maxwell and Jeremy Lane. Also in the running: Korey Toomer, defensive lineman Greg Scruggs and defensive back Terrance Parks.